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Change is good

By Sheree Richnow

Personally I love change. However, I understand why change is so difficult for some and not for others. It all boils down to one thing…perspective. They way we choose to look at our situation dictates whether or not we ultimately enjoy – or dread the process.

In our society of insatiability excess and impracticality, there is an increasing number of people taking a pro-active stand against illogical excess. They’ve made a conscious decision to let go of things they no longer need, want, use or care about. They simply want to lighten their load.

Invariably when we work with couples, there’s always one who cannot let go of their stuff. Sometimes it’s the woman and sometimes the man; the truth is it’s about fifty-fifty. He can’t let go of his old train sets and she can’t part with her adult children’s baby clothes. The truth be known, most kids have little to no attachment to these things and would sooner toss them in the can than have to make room for them in their own crowded homes.

At Richnow LifeStyle Transitions we have the immense pleasure of working with a wide variety of clients who for one reason or another have decided to make an important lifestyle transition. Many are elderly and understand the benefits of downsizing and simplifying their lives. Poised for change they rejoice in the wisdom of knowing that less is more; less to take care of, less fuss and expense, and less of a burden to pack and move. What they gain in return is more space, more time and more freedom!

Sure, I’ll admit that change can be scary – but it’s also liberating. And even the faint-hearted can brave fleeting discomfort when the end result feels so incredibly good.

Printed in the Daily Local News and The Golden Times

Resolve to lighten your load

By Sheree Richnow

What is clutter anyway? Clutter is what happens when we’re unable to let go of things or manage them in an organized way. It’s what I call the “buy-product” of accumulating more than what we really want or need. The more we keep the less space we have. Shelves, closets, cupboards, attics, basements and garages become crammed full of all the things we simply don’t know what to do with or feel obligated to store.

Dealing with a massive de-cluttering and organizing project can be overwhelming. We may experience guilt, shame, depression, embarrassment or frustration over how much “stuff” has accumulated throughout our homes. Many of us are simply too overwhelmed to deal with the problem effectively.

So how do you get started removing the excess weight of clutter from the home? Purchase 3 bins or boxes and mark them clearly: Donate, Sell and Un-decided. Don’t forget the giant trash bags – you’ll need them! Re-direct everything that’s no longer useful, enjoyable, has special meaning or is part of your evolving style. The rest is just “stuff” and it’s taking up valuable space.

De-cluttering isn’t just a one-time thing – it requires a constant effort and a lot of self-discipline. If you’ve resolved to live a clutter-free life and don’t know how to get started, ask for help from a friend or better yet an unbiased professional who is skilled at re-directing personal property. Lightening your load will make you feel more focused, less burdened and more comfortable in your space.